The Braille Forum Vol. XXII April 1984 No. 10 Published Monthly by the American Council of the Blind Mary T. Ballard, Editor For the latest legislative and governmental news, call the Washington Connection after 6:00 P.M. weekdays or all day weekends and holidays. Toll Free-1-800-424-8666. ***** * National Office: Oral O. Miller 1211 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 506 Washington, DC 20036 1-800-424-8666 * Editorial Office The Braille Forum: Mary T. Ballard 190 Lattimore Road Rochester, NY 14620 (716) 442-3131 * Contributing Editor Elizabeth Lennon 1315 Greenwood Avenue Kalamazoo, MI 49007 ** ACB Officers * President: Grant Mack 139 East South Temple, Suite 5000 Salt Lake City, UT 84111 * First Vice President: Dr. Otis H. Stephens 2021 Kemper Lane, S.W. Knoxville, TN 37920 * Second Vice President: Durward K. McDaniel 9468 Singing Quail Drive Austin, TX 78758 * Secretary: Karen Perzentka 6913 Colony Drive Madison, WI 53717 * Treasurer: James R. Olsen American Council of the Blind Summit Bank Building, Suite 822 310 4th Avenue, S. Minneapolis, MN 55415 Promoting Independence And Effective Participation In Society ***** ** Contents ACB Officers President's Message, by Grant Mack Editor's Message, by Mary Ballard Technology and Jobs: ACB Testifies Before Three Congressional Subcommittees, by Scott Marshall Form a More Perfect Union: Attend the 1984 ACB National Convention, by John A. Horst News Briefs from the ACB National Office, by Oral O. Miller ACB National Membership Committee, a Resource to Affiliates, by Vera McClain Citizenship: The Right to Have Rights, by Patricia Price Action on Section 504 and Other Civil Rights Laws, by Barbara Nelson NLS Ad Hoc Audio Advisory Committee The Kaiser Roll -- It's Not Something You Eat, But It Will Make You Hungry and Tired, by Laura Oftedahl ACB Establishes Limited International Aid Program, by Oral O. Miller Tips on How to Find Your Patient, by Spencer Lewis Technology Update BVA Establishes Scholarship Program ACB Affiliate News: ACB of Ohio: Doing it "Our Way," by Deborah Kendrick Bay State Council Convention, by Phyllis Mitchell Calendar of Events Here and There, by Elizabeth M. Lennon Notice to Subscribers ***** ** President's Message By Grant Mack On Sunday, March 11, 1984, it was my great privilege to enjoy another of the many fringe benefits that come to the President of the American Council of the Blind. In response to an invitation, I had traveled to Leonardo, New Jersey, to participate in a testimonial dinner in connection with the retirement of George Burck. After approximately forty years of service both as a volunteer and as a professional, George had decided to retire and move to sunny Florida with his wife, Dolly. Approximately 300 friends, well­wishers, and admirers attended the well planned and beautifully organized function. It was obvious that George had made an impact in areas other than the blindness system. There was a good cross-section of people from both the private and public sectors. Co-workers, former employees, and family members were among those gathered to pay tribute to this well­liked and effective man. Governor Tom Kane also sent a representative from that important office. It was obvious that George and Dolly were pleased with such a public display of thanks. George Burck is one of a vanishing breed. His contributions to the welfare of the blind reach back to the beginning days of the organized blind in this country. He remembers the early excitement and optimism of those days when the blind were first organizing in the United States. He suffered through the trauma of the late 1950's and early 1960's, when turmoil, confusion, and divisiveness prevailed. His attempts at being a peacemaker failed, and he maintained membership in the National Federation of the Blind, sincerely believing that it was the correct thing to do. However, he dared to speak out, and in the end, expulsion resulted. He later became one of the key figures in bringing the New Jersey Council of the Blind into the American Council of the Blind. Early in his career, he became a leader in the New Jersey Blind Men's Association. This Association was organized in 1910 and is the oldest organization of the blind in the state. In the early years, the club conducted social and recreational activities for the blind. These programs were carried out in cooperation with the New Jersey Commission for the Blind, at the request of the state agency, since no state funds were appropriated for such activities. At that time, it was difficult even for a state agency to get blind persons away from the protection of their homes, where they were provided with basic needs. In those days, the only blind people the average sighted person ever saw were the blind beggars on the streets of larger cities. In 1915, after the club had raised sufficient funds, a summer camp for blind men of New Jersey was established in Highland in a rented bungalow. That year, eight men were provided with two weeks' free vacation. The program grew, and by the mid-1930's it moved to a building located on the shore of Sandy Hook Bay in Leonardo. In 1937, the camp was officially named and registered as Camp Happiness. In addition to carrying on a summer vacation program, Camp Happiness is now an all-year center for the blind, providing a variety of activities for both men and women. One of the most recent activities is a work training program for older blind people and for those with additional disabilities. For the past 28 years, George Burck has been Executive Director and has been largely responsible for the continued growth and success of Camp Happiness. George is still a young man in many ways. He has good health and a sparkle in his eye and vigor in his step, which belie his years. One of the thoughts expressed at the testimonial dinner was that "A person is never old until regret takes the place of dreams." We say to you, George and Dolly, dream on! The best is yet to come. ***** ** Editor's Message By Mary Ballard We are pleased to announce that, beginning with the April issue, the braille edition of The Braille Forum will be produced by National Braille Press, Inc., of Boston, Massachusetts. In view of the strong commitment of the American Council of the Blind to the advancement of braille, this new working relationship with NBP seems particularly appropriate. The National Braille Press was founded in 1927 for the purpose of publishing and distributing The Weekly News in braille. For over fifty years, it was the only organization in this hemisphere to put out a general news magazine in braille on a weekly basis. In August 1982, NBP began publication of the very popular Syndicated Columnists Weekly. NBP also publishes Our Special, which for over fifty years was the only braille magazine to address the interests of blind women. Its Braille Research Newsletter (published in print and braille) covers the latest technological advances in braille-related research and development. And, in addition to The Braille Forum, NBP already produces newsletters for the National Association of Blind Teachers and the Braille Revival League. "In recent years," says Managing Director William M. Raeder, "we have turned our attention to computer technology, and under contract with the Library of Congress have developed software to expedite the transcription into braille of materials received directly from publishers in machine readable form." He continued, "More recently, we have given ourselves a new mission: to work more closely with the community of braille readers to determine their needs and to organize programs to meet those needs. We are now planning two new projects using computer technology to meet the special needs of VersaBraille users, and we plan this year to produce two books in cassette braille. "We see that the future lies in working with electronic media and in working more closely with the braille reading community to meet their information needs." Let me take this opportunity, also, to thank those of you who responded to the recent survey of the braille mailing list. The purpose of that survey was not to discourage those of you who prefer to receive The Braille Forum in braille. The need for such a survey, however, was brought home by some of the comments on returned cards: "Please cancel. My husband died in 1974." "I am not blind. I don't know how you got my name." So often, we receive long lists of names, indicating which edition each person prefers. And all too frequently, within a few weeks we also receive subscription cards from some of those same people requesting an entirely different format. It then becomes a guessing game! It is discrepancies such as these that needed to be clarified. If it is not practical for those of you who prepare lists to contact each person directly, let us know and we will send subscription cards from this office. With regard to the survey, be assured that if a reader indicated a preference for braille, but a willingness to change to another format, he/she was kept on the braille mailing list. If you prefer braille, braille is what we want you to have. For the past year, the cassette edition has been sent on a non-return basis. A number of readers have commented that this seems wasteful. Put in terms of clerical time spent in record keeping, packing and unpacking cassettes, replacing worn mailers, and the unreliability of tapes used over and over again, this non-return arrangement really is much more economical and a more reliable service to readers. A number of readers have been returning tapes and have asked if tapes could be re-used. While we do not ask that tapes be returned, we want you to know that those which are returned are re-used. One final suggestion: If you are receiving duplicates or if you are requesting a change, it would be very helpful if in making that request you could include your mailing labels so that we can know exactly how you are entered in the computer. The Braille Forum is your magazine, and meeting your needs is a top priority in this office. ***** ** Technology and Jobs: ACB Testifies Before Three Congressional Subcommittees By Scott Marshall Director of Governmental Affairs As Braille Forum readers know, the American Council of the Blind is involved in a wide range of legislative issues, as evidenced by the number of resolutions passed each year during Convention Week. You may ask, "What happens to a resolution once it has passed?" One important function of a resolution is to guide the ACB staff in the implementation of the organization's legislative program. For example, during a recent month, ACB testified before three Congressional subcommittees regarding subjects covered by resolutions passed in 1983 at the Phoenix convention. * Medicare Coverage for Vision Care Services ACB Membership Resolution 83-10 supports H.R. 3009 and H.R. 3010, legislation introduced by Representative Barbara Mikulski (D., MD), which authorizes Medicare reimbursement for certain vision services. After consultation with Carl Foley, President of the CounciI of Citizens with Low Vision, ACB prepared a written statement for inclusion in the hearing record. H.R. 3009 would provide Medicare coverage for refraction services provided to individuals whose visual acuity does not exceed the legal definition of blindness. Such services could be performed by either an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. ACB further recommended that H.R. 3009 should be amended to cover the cost of the low vision aid itself, as well as the cost for fitting and training in the use of the aid. It makes little sense to cover the cost of prescribing a low-vision aid if the individual thereafter cannot afford to acquire the needed device or to pay the cost of training in its use. A highlight at the hearing was ACB's demonstration of some common low-vision aids. Members of the subcommittee examined a monocular spotter, which is used by many low­vision people to locate street signs. A second magnifier was demonstrated which is often used to read newsprint. This demonstration helped to illustrate the important difference (which every visually impaired person knows well) between visual acuity and visual function: that is, how well one is able to use his or her remaining vision. Finally, ACB stated that although it supports H.R. 3010, which broadens Medicare coverage for vision services to those persons whose visual acuity exceeds the legal definition of blindness, it believes that, at the present time, cost considerations dictate that passage of the less inclusive bill, H.R. 3009, is a more realistic first step toward full vision care coverage under Medicare. As with almost every bill in Congress, H.R. 3010 and H.R. 3009 are not free from controversy. The American Academy of Ophthalmology, which represents physicians, Opposes H.R. 3010 primarily upon cost grounds. The Academy supports H.R. 3009, but recommends certain amendments, including the requirement of a medical referral by an ophthalmologist before an optometrist could render service, and expansion of coverage to include persons whose visual acuity does not fall within the legal definition of blindness. This latter recommendation, although laudable on its face, may actually jeopardize the bill because broadened coverage would mean increased costs. The American Optometric Association, which represents vision care specialists who are not physicians, supports both bills. * Medicare Coverage for Sensory and Communications Aids ACB Membership Resolution 83-08, passed last July, supports S. 1115, legislation to provide limited cost reimbursement for sensory and communications aids needed for employment or education by Medicare-eligible individuals. The bill would also permit state Medicaid programs to reimburse for such equipment. Sensory and communications aids include items such as "talking" computer terminals, vocalizers for the speech impaired, and certain devices for the hearing impaired. The legislation does not cover the cost of glasses or ordinary hearing aids, and it further requires that the sensory and communications aid must be needed for education or employment. Coverage is limited to $5,000 in any one calendar year, with a coverage maximum of $15,000 over five consecutive years. Although hearings have not been scheduled in the Senate on S. 1115, virtually identical legislation, H.R. 4437, has been introduced in the House by Representative George Brown (D., CA). The American Council of the Blind and several other interested groups (including some manufacturers of sensory and communications aids) testified before the Health Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee on February 27 in support of H.R. 4437. A demonstration of sensory and communications aids, including the Optacon, the Versa­Braille, and several other devices, preceded the hearing. ACB's prepared statement illustrated various employment- and education-related uses of sensory and communications aids. The high cost of some technologies was reviewed and the inadequacy of present financing alternatives was outlined. ACB recommended that H.R. 4437 should be amended to cover the cost of maintenance and repair of sensory and communications aids. Although ACB fully supports H.R. 4437, it made it clear that other financing mechanisms, such as low­interest loans, loan guarantees, and tax credits for purchase or lease of sensory and communications aids, must be created in order for blind and other disabled people to acquire these needed technologies. * Targeted Jobs Tax Credit ACB Membership Resolution 83-07 addresses needed change in the qualification requirements for the Targeted Jobs Tax Credit (TJTC). The TJTC is currently available to employers who hire new employees from certain targeted groups, including SSI recipients, handicapped persons who have been referred by a vocational rehabilitation agency, ex­offenders, and welfare recipients. Under current law, employers who hire members of targeted groups may qualify for a tax credit in the amount of 50 percent of the first $6,000 paid in wages during the first year. The credit reduces to 25 percent of qualified wages in the second year. Senator John Heinz (R., PA) asked the American Council of the Blind to testify on March 2 before the Economic Growth Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Finance regarding S. 2185, a five-year reauthorization of the Targeted Jobs Tax Credit. Unless reauthorized, the TJTC will expire at the end of 1984. In addition to supporting reauthorization of the present TJTC, ACB made several recommendations to improve, expand, and simplify the credit. For example, a medical certification of handicap as an eligibility qualification is much simpler than a referral by a vocational rehabilitation agency, for both the prospective employee and the employer alike. The amount of the first year qualified wages on which the credit is based should be raised to $20,000 in order to encourage employers to hire more highly skilled disabled workers, who face employment barriers not unlike those faced by less skilled individuals. The credit should be available to employers who retain employees after the onset of a disability. And, finally, the credit could be used, especially by small employers, for the purchase of sensory and communications aids needed for advancement up the career ladder. Blind and other disabled people face unique employment barriers, and the TJTC is an important incentive which should be more widely used to encourage employment of handicapped persons. Contact your Senators and Representatives about these bills. Ask them to co-sponsor the bills if they have not already done so. Ask them to communicate with the appropriate Congressional committees to urge prompt action at the subcommittee and full committee levels. Because this is an election year, the second session of the 98th Congress will be very short. Stay in touch through the Washington Connection for the latest details on these and other legislative issues. And, as always, feel free to call the National Office for help with your legislative questions. ***** ** Form a More Perfect Union: Attend the 1984 ACB National Convention By John A. Horst Assistant Chairperson 1984 Convention Host Committee When representatives of the thirteen Colonies met in Philadelphia on May 14, 1787, to revise the Articles of Confederation, they immediately determined that something better was required to establish a free and independent nation. As a result, the great Constitution of the United States was written. One of the goals stated in the Preamble to the Constitution was "to form a more perfect Union." When the 1984 convention of the American Council of the Blind meets in Philadelphia June 30 to July 7, blind and low-vision people will also have a significant opportunity to advance the cause of freedom and independence for themselves, to become better informed, to determine dynamic policies and resolutions, and to work together "to form a more perfect union" that will challenge our sighted friends to put an end to discrimination and limited resources. Convention Update: The convention program committee has held several meetings, and an exciting program is being developed that will include interesting speakers, entertaining presentations, consideration of resolutions, and, of course, carrying on the important business of ACB. Special-Interest Activities: The Council of Citizens with Low Vision is planning a seminar at the Finebloom Rehabilitation Center in North Philadelphia on Sunday, July 1. Buses will leave the Philadelphia Centre Hotel at 8:30 A.M. and will return at 3:30 P.M. The cost will be $10, which includes a box lunch. There will be a tour of the Low Vision Center, an update on low vision aids now available, a presentation by Janice Knuth, Director of Services, Associated Services for the Blind, on "A Look at Low Vision Through the Eyes of a Person with Albinism," and additional discussions on factors in low vision. All members and friends of CCLV are welcome to attend. CCLV's program for Monday, July 2, will include a florescent light demonstration to improve color and low vision perception. This will be presented by Jerome Werlyn, engineer and inventor, Overbrook School for the Blind. Guide Dog Users, Inc., will include in their programming Monday and Tuesday, July 2 and 3, an update on the Hawaii Guide Dog situation and presentations by John Byfield, Director of Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Bloomfield, Connecticut, and Jerry Northington, Dr. of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. This special-interest affiliate has also arranged for emergency veterinary service in Philadelphia for any dog guide users whose dog guide will need the service during the convention. Information will be included in the convention program. Are you an Optacon user? Can you handle different type styles, change type size, read print on a can, and find page numbers? These are just a few of the "real" reading challenges facing Optacon readers that will be tested at the Optacon agility contest in Philadelphia. Look for contest details in the next issue of The Braille Forum. Other special-interest groups are planning exciting and challenging programs and social activities for the early part of Convention Week. You should plan to arrive in Philadelphia Friday or Saturday, June 29 or 30, so that you will not miss out on these events. * Tours: The Host Committee is planning five tours: 1. Saturday, June 30 — An all-day trip to Pennsylvania Dutch country near Lancaster, to observe Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish life and culture. 2. Tuesday evening, July 3 — Tour to Atlantic City. Trip will include dinner, with return about midnight. 3. Thursday P. M., July 5 — Historical tour of Philadelphia. Approximately three hours. 4. Thursday evening, July 5 — Major League baseball-Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies. Will include box lunch for evening meal. Note this change from the ball game tour originally announced for Tuesday evening. 5. Tour to Associated Services for the Blind, where six agencies for the blind are located (see The Braille Forum, Feb. 1984, for details). This tour will be available to conventioners at different times during Convention Week. * Social Events: Current planning includes a wine and cheese party on Sunday evening, sponsored by the Council of Citizens with Low Vision, followed by a "Welcome to Philadelphia" party arranged by the Host Committee; a dance on Monday evening, sponsored by the Randolph­Sheppard Vendors of America; the Awards and Charter Gala on Wednesday evening; the annual banquet followed by a dance on Friday evening; plus luncheons and mixers sponsored by various groups throughout the week. * Exhibits, Boutiques, Program Ads: If you, your business, or your ACB affiliate desires to have an exhibit or a boutique at the convention, you should already have contacted Eugene Barton, Exhibits Committee Chairperson, Commerce Park, 5000 6th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602; (814) 946-7330. If you or your organization wish to place an advertisement in the convention program, or if you would like to be a sponsor or patron, please contact the Pennsylvania Council of the Blind at Adelphia House, No. 5 Mezzanine, 1235 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107; (215) 561-1079. Action on these matters must be taken immediately. The Host Committee and ACB members from Pennsylvania are looking forward to welcoming you to Philadelphia. The dates of the convention are June 30-July 7, 1984. Convention headquarters is the Philadelphia Centre Hotel, 1725 J. F. Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19102; (215) 568-3300. Room rate is $38 per night for a single, double, or triple room. Plan now to join us for the best ACB convention ever! ***** ** News Briefs from the ACB National Office By Oral O. Miller National Representative Some people think of February as the month for winter sports or for curling up with a good book before the fireplace. For the ACB National Office staff, however, it was an exceptionally busy month in the area of legislative and governmental affairs. As announced on the Washington Connection, the American Council of the Blind presented both written and verbal testimony during three separate Congressional hearings. The topics covered were the provision of sensory and communications aids through Medicare, the provision of low vision services through Medicare, and the extension of tax credits to businesses employing the handicapped (see "Technology and Jobs," elsewhere in this issue). With reference to the latter bill, a tax "credit" is an actual reduction in the amount of tax due, as contrasted with a deduction that is considered in determining how much tax is due and payable. National Office personnel are already working on testimony to be submitted within the next few days regarding the important subject of voting accessibility for the handicapped. The fact that ACB has been invited to testify on these subjects, as well as others mentioned in earlier articles, underscores the credibility and recognition which we enjoy with Congress and with the executive agencies. Since there is frequently very little time between the receipt of an invitation and the date of the hearing, the only timely way of publicizing hearings and membership action that should be taken in connection with a specific bill is by way of the Washington Connection. So all Braille Forum readers are reminded to call regularly. In the always busy area of governmental legal advocacy, quick action by the American Council of the Blind, the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America, and other organizations resulted in the withdrawal by the General Services Administration of a request for proposals that would have deprived the Randolph-Sheppard vendors in the District of Columbia (and ultimately throughout the country) of the opportunity to operate cafeterias in Government buildings. Inasmuch as the current Federal Administration is obviously intent upon changing the food service system in many Federal buildings, ACB and RSVA have resisted the temptation to insist on a simplistic, but almost certainly impossible-to-achieve regulatory change as a permanent solution. Instead, ACB and RSVA -- whose president, Paul Verner of Florida, traveled to Washington to take part in the negotiations -- are urging the U.S. Department of Education to issue appropriate directives to block the type of action contemplated by the General Services Administration. At the same time, we are urging the state licensing agencies and the vendor organizations to explore imaginative ways of meeting the food service needs of modern government buildings. We are also urging Congress to include funding for use by state licensing agencies in establishing modern cafeterias and other food service facilities. This subject will be among those included in the upcoming ACB National Legislative Seminar, scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., during the period May 9-11. By the time this article is published, all state affiliate presidents will have received a second memorandum regarding the guidelines to be used in selecting seminar participants. During February, much time was also spent by ACB National Office personnel negotiating with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding the Section 504 prototype regulations being prepared by DOJ for the guidance of other Federal departments and agencies. While those regulations are complex and cannot be covered here, one enormous step forward was the agreement by the Justice Department to include a provision requiring the top official of a department or agency to concur whenever that department or agency uses the defense of "undue burden" in connection with proposed action. A provision to that effect (along with other provisions) was published in the Federal Register on March 1, 1984. During the first week in March, ACB's National Staff Attorney, Barbara Nelson, spoke at the convention of the Association of Radio Reading Services regarding changes in Federal Communications Commission regulations affecting radio reading services. As reported previously in The Braille Forum and via the Washington Connection, these regulations have been the source of much controversy recently due to the declining financial condition of National Public Radio. The latest ACB public service campaign has been a tremendous success, with thousands of radio stations in medium to large cities and national networks airing the "spots" since July 1983. ACB affiliates wishing to promote Council services in small radio markets are reminded that a limited supply of the PSA's is still on hand at the ACB National Office. Laura Oftedahl, ACB's Public Affairs Director, can help you plan effective use of these announcements in your area. ***** ** ACB National Membership Committee a Resource to Affiliates By Vera McClain, Chairperson ACB National Membership Committee One of the under-utilized resources available to all affiliates of the American Council of the Blind is the National Membership Committee. Individuals serving on the committee are appointed by the President. The Board of Directors allocates an, annual budget sufficient to defray travel and other reasonable expenses. The committee is charged with the responsibility of developing, coordinating, and implementing the membership efforts of ACB, in conjunction with the National Office staff and the Board of Directors. Serving with me on the National Membership Committee are Fred Armfield of South Carolina, Mae Davidow of Pennsylvania, Gerry Dunlap of Oklahoma, Buck Gillispie of Connecticut, Audrey Hebner of California, and Irving Smith of Washington State. Each member of the committee was selected because of his or her organizational experience and demonstrated commitment to the growth of ACB. Durward McDaniel, former National Representative and National Membership Chairman, serves as the committee's chief adviser. During the past year, the committee's efforts doubled the membership of one state affiliate with a single mail-out. One state affiliate was organized and another was reorganized with renewed vitality. Invitations were accepted to address board meetings, conventions, and leadership conferences over the country. Other groups were assisted through correspondence and telephone conferences. Some affiliates inquired about special-interest chapters affiliated with the Alabama Council of the Blind, and a few local chapters were organized with the committee's assistance, at the invitation of affiliate presidents. One recent achievement has been the preparation of a handbook concerned with organizational formation and operation. The handbook is slated for publication later this year. Please let the committee know how we may work with you on membership growth or related issues. Address any correspondence to: Vera McClain, Chairperson, ACB National Membership Committee, 7724-C East Ridge Drive, Birmingham, AL 35210; (205) 956-4033 (home) or (205) 939-6682 (office). ***** ** Citizenship: The Right to Have Rights By Patricia Price Citizenship Day is traditionally celebrated annually on September 17 as a reminder of the birth of a great concept in government. For Marvin E. Price, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Indiana Rehabilitation Services, Citizenship Day came much earlier in 1984 -- on January 30, actually. It was on that day he became the first totally blind person in Marion County and the State of Indiana -- and in many parts of the United States as well -- to be granted the privilege to serve as a juror. "I have always believed that a good citizen doesn't rely on government. Government relies on him," Mr. Price commented. "Also," he continued, "I believe strongly that, as United States Supreme Court Justice Earl Warren once said, 'citizenship is man's basic right, for it is nothing less than the right to have rights.' While I have never felt deprived of exercising my other citizenship rights by participating in my community, city, state, and national governmental activities, the opportunity to participate in the judicial system has been denied on several prior occasions the moment the jury commissioner learned of my blindness. This time, with the new jury pool system, I was given a chance to personally present myself to the court, and the attorneys made the selection." The two-day trial, conducted in the Criminal Court in Indianapolis, deliberated the innocence or guilt of a 20-year-old man charged with two counts of armed robbery, confinement and kidnapping, stemming from a bank holdup last summer. Evidence requiring visual inspection was carefully transferred into concise, highly descriptive verbal pictures through the seemingly casual, yet meticulous efforts of the prosecuting and defense attorneys. Evidence that could be tactually perceived was passed to Mr. Price for examination. "It is the first experience any of us have ever had with a sightless person as a juror," said the Judge. "There are a lot of things disabled persons can perceive that normal persons don't grasp. Consequently, neither I nor the participating attorneys had any inclination to deprive Mr. Price of one of his rights of citizenship. We all admired his courage and visible zealousness to do the best job possible. "And," he added, "he did just that." According to Mr. Price, however, the real stars of this event were the judge and the attorneys. Without their positive attitude, foresight, and willingness to set a precedent, his participation would have been denied. Our Nation's destiny is fashioned by what all of us do; by the deeds and desires of each citizen, as one tiny drop of water after another ultimately makes a big river! ***** ** Action on Section 504 and Other Civil Rights Laws By Barbara Nelson Staff Attorney U.S. SUPREME COURT FINDS SECTION 504 COVERS EMPLOYMENT: In a major decision, Consolidated Rail v. Darrone, the United States Supreme Court has unanimously found that Section 504 prohibits employment discrimination against handicapped people. It stopped the trend of lower court decisions that Section 504 prohibits employment discrimination in Federally funded programs only when the Federal funds have the primary purpose of providing employment. These former lower court decisions had drastically limited the number of disabled persons who were protected by Section 504. For example, in the old line of cases, if a college received Federal funds to purchase library books, the librarians who worked there were not protected from employment discrimination by Section 504. The American Council of the Blind was involved in this victory. ACB, together with a large number of disability rights groups, submitted a "friend of the court" brief prepared by the disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, which explained the problem of discrimination on the basis of handicap. The Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America (ALL) also joined in a brief which analyzed the legislative history of Section 504 and relevant cases, prepared by the National Association of the Deaf. BUT THE COURT LIMITS APPLICATION OF SECTION 504 TO THE SPECIFIC PROGRAMS THAT RECEIVE FEDERAL FUNDS: The victory in Consolidated Rail, however, was overshadowed somewhat by a decision handed down by the Court on the same day in Grove City College v. Bell. The decision in this case limits the application of civil rights laws such as Section 504 to the specific program or activity that actually benefits from Federal funds. For example, Grove City College chose not to apply for any Federal grants, but many of its students were the recipients of Federal student aid grants and loans. The lower court of appeals had found that Grove City College must submit a form to the Federal Government stating that it does not discriminate in any of its programs. The Supreme Court reversed that decision, finding that Grove City must submit the form, but need only assure non-discrimination in the Financial Aid Office. It reasoned that the college's financial aid program benefitted from the grants received by the students, but the entire school did not. "Most Federal education assistance has economic ripple effects throughout the aided institution, and it would be difficult, if not impossible, to determine which programs or activities derive indirect benefits," said the Court. There are a number of interesting sidelights to this decision. When the case started, the Federal agency responsible for enforcement of the civil rights laws in question argued that if any program of a college receives Federal dollars, the entire college must not discriminate in any of its programs. During the time the case was pending, the Reagan Administration changed its position and began arguing that non-discrimination laws were program specific and covered only Grove City College's Financial Aid Office. This decision of the Supreme Court will have a broad and detrimental impact on disabled people, since Section 504 will now be interpreted as being "program specific." This will lead to anomalous results. For example, a college like Grove City that only receives Federal funds in the form of student loans would be prohibited from discriminating against handicapped students in deciding to whom to give financial aid; however, once disabled students are admitted, the college could discriminate against them. The way in which the Consolidated Rail and Grove City College cases interact is also odd. In Consolidated Rail, the Court said that when Congress enacted Section 504, it "chose to ban employment discrimination against the handicapped not by all employers, but only by the Federal Government and recipients of Federal funds. As to the latter, Congress apparently determined that it would require contractors and grantees to bear the costs of providing employment for the handicapped as a 'quid pro quo' for receiving Federal funds." However, in Grove City, the Court stated that even though employment discrimination is prohibited by Section 504, it is prohibited only in a small part of the program of the recipient of Federal funds. The Court could have extended the logic of the Consolidated Rail case, saying that when a grantee accepts Federal funds, it must operate its entire program in a non-discriminatory manner. Thus, only employees in Grove City College's Financial Aid Office, and not all of Grove City College's employees, are protected from discrimination by Section 504 — despite the fact that the Court recognized that Congress meant to attach broad responsibilities to recipients of Federal funds. ACB AND LCCR RESPOND: The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (LCCR), of which the American Council of the Blind is a member, is initiating a drive to have Congress amend all of the laws such as Section 504 that prohibit discrimination in ''programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance." These include Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination Act, Title IX of the Education Act Amendments, which prohibits sex discrimination in education programs, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The LCCR bill will build into the laws the view that they are not program specific. According to Ralph Neas, Executive Director of the Leadership Conference, the proposed regulation will be an important initiative for the civil rights community. Disabled persons, women, blacks, Hispanics, and older people will join in a bipartisan drive to quickly return these laws to the status quo. Neas emphasized that all of the groups have agreed to work together, "one for all and all for one," so that each law is improved. Participating organizations have also agreed not to use this as an opportunity to add amendments to legislation pertaining to their constituencies, so that the bill can pass quickly and without amendments which could weaken the legislation. ***** ** NLS Ad Hoc Audio Advisory Committee A recently appointed NLS Ad Hoc Audio Advisory Committee met at the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) in Washington, D. C., November 16-18, 1983. Representatives from the Telephone Pioneers, librarians, Blinded Veterans Association, National Federation of the Blind, and American Council of the Blind were present. On November 16, committee members were introduced to the NLS staff, given an orientation to the structure and function of NLS, and given a tour of the facility. Following this, the mission, goals, and objectives of the committee were discussed. On November 17, Mr. Henry B. Paris, Chief, Materials Development Division, chaired a discussion of the status of present and future plans of the NLS equipment program. A manual for use by the Telephone Pioneers in repairing cassette players was distributed and briefly discussed. Prototypes of new audio reading equipment were thoroughly discussed and demonstrated. These include the "easy" (E-1) cassette player and the "combination" cassette and record player. The cassette unit in the "combination" machine has features similar to those of the E-1 player. Both machines have many desirable features, as well as some undesirable characteristics. For example, the cassette player changes tracks without having to stop the machine. However, if the cassette is removed, it automatically rewinds to the beginning of track 1, regardless of where it was when removed. The record player has a "fast forward" mode as well as a "rewind" mode. However, the rewind seems to scratch the records. On November 18, the committee was divided into three groups, viz., Telephone Pioneers, librarians, and consumers. Each group was instructed to develop suggestions and recommendations to improve the NLS equipment and accessories program. NLS plans to distribute minutes of the committee meeting and to publish an article in the NLS newsletter. Bill Ferrell, Second Vice President of the Florida Council of the Blind, represented the American Council of the Blind. The committee has scheduled another meeting for sometime in 1984, at which time recommendations and suggestions of the committee as well as consumers will be reviewed with NLS staff to determine what progress has been made. ***** ** The Kaiser Roll -- It’s Not Something You Eat, But It Will Make You Hungry and Tired By Laura Oftedahl Have you joined the running craze sweeping the country? Are you one of those people who sprints down the street long before the rest of the neighborhood is up putting on the coffee in the morning? Or do you circle the track in your sweats and sneaks many times after work? Well, if you have discovered the exhilaration and fitness value of running, you will want to consider running off to Minnesota in July for the Third Annual Kaiser Roll, a 5k and 10k race where over fifty blind and visually impaired runners are expected to enter, along with 100 wheelers. and 6,000 sighted runners. It's THE race of the year for blind runners and wheelers. Medals will be awarded in male and female categories to both totally blind and partially sighted racers. The Kaiser Roll will take place Saturday, July 14, in Bloomington, Minnesota, a Minneapolis suburb. A limited number of scholarships are available to help blind runners with travel and lodging expenses. Sighted running guides will be provided. Last year, over $45,000 was raised by runners through pledges and was donated to three Minnesota charities assisting disabled persons — the Vinland National Center, the Sister Kenny Institute, and Camp Superkids of the American Lung Association. Interested blind runners may contact Dennis Bowling, 5 E. 104 Street, Bloomington, MN 55420. ***** ** ACB Establishes Limited International Aid Program By Oral O. Miller National Representative Every year, the American Council of the Blind receives many requests from overseas (especially from the developing countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America) for braille watches and clocks, slates, styluses, paper, and writers. ACB's own resources have not allowed us to fill most of these requests, although we have been able to refer some of the requests to sources that were able to be helpful. However, since countless people in this country have in their possession extra watches and writing aids that could be used by many of the people who write to us each year, we are now asking ACB members and friends to help us establish a modest inventory of small, usable timing and writing aids and appliances that may in turn be given to deserving but less fortunate blind people abroad. Anyone who would like to donate any of the above-mentioned items, in usable condition, to ACB should send them postpaid (if postage is necessary) to the ACB National Office, to the attention of ACB International Aids Program. Since we have limited space to devote to this worthwhile project, the items should be small and, if possible, in their original box, container, or shipping carton. Please do not send braille or print books or magazines. ***** ** Tips on How to Find Your Patient By Spencer B. Lewis, M.D. (Reprinted from Synapse, Vol. II, No. 3, Summer 1983. Published quarterly by the American Society of Handicapped Physicians) Happily, this has nothing to do with waitresses, bartenders, or cab drivers. ... This little column comes under the area that we in the profession refer to as FMA (free medical advice). ... For those of you whose eyes don't work so well, I would like to provide you with the following little tidbit on "How to Find Your Patient." As you know, in medicine finding your patient is a very basic step in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. After discarding (the) idea that I dress my patients in incandescent robes with strobelights on the buttoms (reminds me of a rock group I used to know in Boston), I have found the following things useful. First of all, know your exam room! Since the use of a cane in a small area such as an exam room can be quite cumbersome and can tie up a free hand, I find that knowing precisely where the exam table, utility table, shelves, sink, etc. are helps to orient me in the room. You may also know where to locate them, and can even place them in the order that you usually use them. I find it helpful to carry the things that I use the most in my jacket pocket. I always have my nurse have the patient sit on the table after the vital signs have been taken, to wait for my entrance. However, as all of you know, the best laid plans can go astray, so patients can be found lying on the table, sitting on the exam stool, standing by the sink with their arms folded defiantly or worst of all, have his entire family in the room with him. Usually, I locate the patient's whereabouts by saying "Good afternoon Mr. Adams" (this doesn't work for Mr. Jones). "How are you today?" His response usually localizes him in the room for me and I know where to face to talk to him. If there are others in the room I address them in the same way to find them, although my nurse usually lets me know if others are present. Having located the patient in the room, we are now faced with locating certain parts of the patient. I once examined an obese patient's abdomen a good minute before realizing to my embarrassment that it was her thigh. I find that carrying on a conversation or winding up your history as you approach the patient helps you to know where his head is and thus the rest of his body. Once you can lay a hand on the patient, it is generally easy to proceed from there if you know normal anatomy. This is made even easier for since I proceed with a physical exam systematically from the head to the feet. I also find it helpful to begin my exam standing behind the patient and proceeding to the front. For example, if I want to palpate the sinuses I begin behind the patient, feeling for cervical adenopathy and then swing around to the frontal area by way of the preauricular and temple areas. I think this approach is a little more reassuring than having someone coming blindly at your eyes with both thumbs extended. You sometimes lose the patient again when he lies down, but you can easily find him again by asking him a question such as "Now where did you say that pain was again?" I many times find it helpful to ask the patient to place my hand on where it hurts which also helps in the differential diagnosis of pain. After all of this, if you are ever in doubt as to where to find something, ask the patient. I would like to emphasize that none of this is done to fool the patient into thinking that you are not blind, but is done to make both you and your patient more comfortable. In fact, I find that informing the patient that you are blind either when he makes an appointment or at his first visit helps to establish a good doctor­patient relationship and helps to prevent future misunderstandings. ... ***** ** Technology Update The first and only IBM PC-Compatible Large-Print Display Processor is now available to those with low vision: Visualtek's Model DP-11. The DP-11 plugs into the IBM PC as a peripheral device and automatically enlarges the displayed letters up to sixteen times their original size. This is accomplished without operator intervention or special programming. Variable-size, clear, solid, high contrast letters up to 5 1/2 inches in height are available with a simple turn of a dial on the user control panel. The DP-11 is a small computer device that works in a completely passive or "transparent" manner. No software is required; therefore, most software written for the IBM PC can be used without alternation. The price of the DP-11 Large-Print Display Processor is $2,470. Full details are available from Visualtek, 1610 26th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404; (213) 829-3969. As Helen Keller so dramatically demonstrated, if the key is found to unlock communication with people who are both deaf and blind, a transformation can occur from ignorance, misunderstanding, and isolation to the richness of life which results from education, understanding, and human relationships. Telesensory Systems, Inc. (TSI) has announced the manufacture of Tele­Braille, a communication system which could provide this key to many of the thousands of deaf-blind people in the United States today. In a face-to-face communication situation, a deaf-blind person who knows braille can learn to operate the TeleBraille system in a few minutes. The deaf-blind person "talks" by keying in his message on a braille keyboard and "listens" by reading a 20-cell braille display. A sighted partner "talks" by keying his message on a typewriter keyboard built into a second unit containing a 32-character LED display and an acoustic coupler, and connected by a cable to the braille unit. Information from either keyboard appears simultaneously on the visual and braille displays. The entire TeleBraille system is battery operated and portable. The TeleBraille system can also be used for communication over the telephone. The telephone handset is placed on the acoustic coupler so that when either the typewriter keyboard or the braille keyboard is used, tones designating each letter are sent over the telephone line. Any telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or computer terminal at the other end of the telephone line can receive the message and display it visually. Correspondingly, telephone messages sent over the telephone line to the TeleBraille system from a TDD or a computer database service will be displayed in braille. The TeleBraille was developed at TSI under funding from the National Institute on Handicapped Research in Washington, D.C. First units are planned to be shipped this summer. The price is $5,500, f.o.b. Mountain View, California. Because of the high cost of the TeleBraille system relative to the average income of a deaf-blind person, the American Association of the Deaf-Blind (AADB) is approaching foundations, agencies serving deaf­blind people, and telephone companies to obtain support for TeleBraille training and subsidy programs. For further information, contact TSI at 455 N. Bernardo Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94043. The American Foundation for the Blind is now marketing a "talking" device which identifies U.S. paper currency in denominations of $1, $2, $5, $10, and $20. Called the Paper Money Identifier or PMI, the machine is designed primarily for blind and visually impaired people. It retails for $600. Here's how the PMI works: After the user inserts a face-up bill, an optical scanner identifies it and a synthetic voice announces its value. If a bill is inserted face down, the machine says, "Over," enabling the operator to stack the money face up for bank deposits. If the note is torn or otherwise unidentifiable, the PMI will say, "Please try again." AFB sponsored development of the PMI through Ardac, Inc., of Eastlake, Ohio, and is the sole distributor. The unit is a rectangular box 3 1/2 inches by 6 inches by 15 3/4 inches. It weighs 6 pounds, 2 ounces and plugs into any three-prong, 120-volt electrical outlet. It requires only two controls, an on-off switch and a volume control, both located on the front panel. As an added advantage, it easily hooks up to the talking cash register developed in 1981 by AFB and now being marketed by the R.C. Allen Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Details for ordering the unit are included in the free catalog, "Products for People with Vision Problems," available by writing Consumer Products Division, American Foundation for the Blind, 15 W. 16th Street, New York, NY 10011. ***** ** BVA Established Scholarship Program The Blinded Veterans Association has announced establishment of a scholarship program for children and spouses of blinded veterans. Five scholarships in the amount of $1500 each will be awarded this year for the 1984-1985 academic year. Dependent children or spouses of blinded veterans are eligible for the scholarships. The veteran does not have to be a member of the Blinded Veterans Association. The veteran must be legally blind, and blindness can be either service connected or non-service connected. Additionally, an applicant must have been accepted for admission or already enrolled as a full-time student in an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited institution of higher education to be eligible for the scholarships. The scholarships are intended to be used to defray a student's costs or expenses, including tuition, books, academic fees, dormitory fees, and cafeteria fees. Scholarship payments will be made directly to the institution of higher education. Applications are available from Blinded Veterans Association, 1735 DeSales Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036. Completed applications and all supporting materials must be returned to the BVA no later than May 25, 1984, to qualify for a 1984-85 academic scholarship. Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of answers to questions included in the application form, transcripts of high school and/or college records, letters of reference, and a 300-word essay. Founded in 1945 by a group of World War II blinded veterans, the BVA serves as the official representative of blinded veterans. ***** ** ACB of Ohio: Doing It "Our Way" By Deborah Kendrick Crying in public places isn't something I customarily do. - Or in private places, for that matter. Yet, seated at the banquet table, listening to the scheduled after-dinner entertainment, tears streamed uncontrollably down my face. Tears of joy? Tears of sorrow? Perhaps they were tears of realization. "And now the end is near and so I face the final curtain ..." The singer was Dr. Elmer Fischer, Director of the Cincinnati Radio Reading Service and a good friend. His beautiful piano accompaniment was provided by George Coorey - another friend - as well as being President of the Cincinnati ACB chapter and co-chairman of the ACB of Ohio September 1983 convention. I had only come to this convention as an after-thought. I was going to be in Columbus for another meeting, anyway, and after having won the Ned E. Freeman writing competition award last July, I felt some obligation to discover for myself what one of these affairs was all about. The theme of the convention was "Creating a Positive Image," and in 24 hours, the ACBO had done that many times over. "I've lived a life that's full I traveled each and every highway ..." I've never even cared for the Frank Sinatra song, but then, I'd never heard it performed with such emotional and additional meaning. I was filled to the spillage line with pride and love for the people surrounding me and those I'd met throughout the day. From the 8:00 A.M. presentation by David T. Williams, Director of the Governor's Office of Advocacy for Disabled Persons, to the inspired handling of the theme, "Creating a Positive Image," by Dr. Victor Leanza at day's end, the program had been outstanding. Put as simply as possible, Mr. Williams' presentation energized one to jump into the center of the action of advocacy for the disabled, while blind psychologist Victor Leanza added the perfect balance of inciting one to do so by first finding peacefulness and personal identity. Between these two complementary streams, the program dealt with library services, computers for persons with low vision, and preschool programs for visually impaired children. Each was excellent, and each was graciously introduced by ACBO President Kenneth Morlock, with the relaxed charm of one welcoming others to his own home. "Regrets, I've had a few But then, again, too few to mention ... " The words evoked a tumble of images. My own failures and successes - as well as those of these friends, new and old, surrounding me - scrambled over themselves in my mind. I had come as objective observer and had somehow found myself at the core of things. At the Board meeting (to which I was later invited), praise would be spoken for the outstanding planning of program co-chairmen George Coorey and Linwood Walker. But all spoken praise seemed to me to be insufficient. The song, somehow, had united us and had said it all. These strong, competent people who had so rapidly earned my admiration and love, were just a small sampling of the American Council of the Blind nationwide - and a gourmet sampling, indeed. "Yet, there were times - I'm sure you knew - When I bit off More than I could chew. But through it all, When there was doubt, I ate it up And spit it out. I faced it all And I stood tall And did it my way." ***** ** Bay State Council Convention By Phyllis Mitchell The Bay State Council of the Blind (Massachusetts affiliate of the American Council of the Blind) held its 1983 annual convention the weekend of November 19-20 in Newton. Theme of the convention was: "Communication." Workshops were held on the following topics: "How to Develop Self-Confidence Skills as an Individual," "How to Develop Self-Confidence Skills in a Social Situation," and "Communication in the '80's." The program featured a panel of representatives from the Massachusetts regional library, the radio reading service, and the National Braille Press. Other convention speakers included Chuck Woodcock, Director of the Perkins School for the Blind, who commented on his experiences with the National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually Handicapped (NAC), both before and since coming to Perkins, and Scott Marshall, ACB's Director of Governmental Affairs. Banquet speaker was Ken Meyer, producer and talk show host for radio station WBZ Boston, who related some of his more interesting and unusual experiences in interviews of famous personalities that never made the air. Scott and Ken were students together at the New York State School for the Blind in Batavia, and the audience was treated to a sort of extra bonus, hearing some of the stories they had to tell about one another. At the business meeting, the Bay State Council passed a resolution to become a supporting member of the National Accreditation Council, joining 22 other ACB affiliates as NAC supporting members. The following officers were elected: President, Phyllis Mitchell; First Vice President, Richard Downs; Second Vice President, Loraine Walker; Secretary, Janice Doremus; Treasurer, Kathy Buckley. ***** ** Calendar of Events ATTENTION, ACB AFFILIATE PRESIDENTS AND CONVENTION CHAIRPERSONS: This Calendar of Events is compiled by the ACB Public Affairs Director in the National Office to assist you in publicizing your events. We need your meeting dates to maintain this popular service. Contact Laura Oftedahl at 1-800-424-8666 as soon as your conventions are set. April 7-8 - Old Dominion Council of the Blind Spring Convention - Virginia Beach April 27-28 - Mississippi Council of the Blind State Convention May 4-5 - ACB of Minnesota State Convention - Minneapolis May 9-11 - ACB Legislative Seminar - Washington, D.C. May 12 - Connecticut Council of the Blind Spring Convention - Waterbury May 18-19 - Arizona Council of the Blind State Convention - Phoenix June 8-9 - Iowa Council of the Blind State Convention - Council Bluffs June 8-10 - North Dakota Association of the Blind State Convention - Minot June 12-14 - Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America - Ninth Annual Delegate Assembly - Washington, D.C. June 24-28 - AAWB/AEVH Alliance International Conference - Nashville June 30-July 7 - ACB National Convention - Philadelphia August 7-11 - Blinded Veterans Association Annual Convention - Nashville August 31-September 2 - Tennessee Council of the Blind State Convention - Knoxville ***** ** Here and There By Elizabeth M. Lennon The Seventh Chess Olympiad for the Visually Handicapped will be held April 15-29 in Somerset, New Jersey, sponsored by the U.S. Braille Chess Association. Blind chess champions from 28 countries are expected to participate. If sufficient funds can be raised, sponsors hope to have on hand a computer with braille and print readout to keep contestants and spectators informed of progress of the games. For further information, contact Dr. Theodore Vlacos, P.O. Box 2385, Laguna Hills, CA 92653. From The Matilda Ziegler Magazine: If your community does not have a "Carrier Alert" program, perhaps you can initiate one through your local United Way, Red Cross, or organization for the elderly. "Carrier Alert" is a voluntary service sponsored since 1982 by the National Association of Letter Carriers and the U.S. Postal Service. Letter carriers watch for an accumulation of mail in the mailboxes of elderly, handicapped, or homebound persons and, when such an accumulation is observed, notify a designated social agency which can investigate whether an accident or sudden illness may have occurred. To obtain a braille or large-print copy of the pamphlet, "Rush Hour Recipes with Rice," write Rice Council, Department RH, P.O. Box 740121, Houston, TX 77274. Be sure to specify print or braille. From Update (National Library Service): Early Wednesday morning, August 10, 1983, fire broke out in the building which housed the Sixth District California State PT A Braille Transcribing Project, North Branch, in Los Altos. The entire braille facility was destroyed. Lost in the fire were 800 volumes of braille masters (175 titles), including math and computer textbooks and a thesaurus, as well as the entire catalog and all the organization's records of its work. The group began immediately to rebuild the collection. If any schools, agencies, or individuals have thermoform copies of books produced by the Sixth District, North Branch, please contact them and let them know the titles and dates. Contact the group at P.O. Box 326, Los Altos, CA 94022. From Council Currents (Old Dominion Council of the Blind): Thanks to a nationwide grassroots effort, wheelchair athlete George Murray was one of six winners of the General Mills Search for Champions competition (which attracted 64,000 nominations). As a winner, he will appear on one million boxes of Wheaties cereal beginning in summer 1984. Beacon Lodge Camp for the Blind, sponsored by the Lions of Pennsylvania, is soliciting applications for the summer camp season for visually impaired youths and adults. A wide variety of traditional summer camp activities is featured in the program, held in the mountains of central Pennsylvania. For application forms, write the camp at Box 428, Lewiston, PA 17044. Grant Mack, President of the American Council of the Blind, was recently elected to the Board of Trustees of the American Foundation for the Blind. "Marketing Your Abilities: A Guide for the Disabled Job-Seeker" has just been published by Mainstream, Inc. The 24-page, notebook size publication is designed in both content and style to assist the handicapped individual in conducting a successful job search. Major topics include how to write an effective resume and how to give a good interview, including discussing one's disability and the need for accommodation. The book is available in print or on tape for $2.50. Make checks payable to Mainstream, Inc., and send your payment and order to Mainstream, Inc., 1200 15th Street, N.W., Suite 403, Washington, DC 20005; Attention: Abilities Publication. "Look or Listen," by Joseph Wiedenmayer, is a pamphlet in braille containing specific suggestions for blind people who are also hard of hearing. Mr. Wiedenmayer, a retired U.S. foreign service officer who has a severe hearing loss, wrote the booklet in 1975 at the suggestion of the then Division for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress. "Look or Listen," Catalog No. 5-7409, is available for $1.62 from the American Printing House for the Blind, 1839 Frankfort Avenue, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY 40206. The Michigan Association of Transcribers for the Visually Impaired has for sale a number of small, specialized cookbooks and sewing manuals in braille. Cost is eight cents per page. Most titles average 25 to 50 pages. Titles include: "Vita-Mix Home Yogurt Factory," "Viking Sewing Manual," "Viking Operating Manual," "An Ethnic Foods Cookbook," "Sears Crockery Cooker," "Instructions for the Amana Browning Skillet," as well as several afghan patterns in crochet. For a print list of materials available in braille, write Michigan Association of Transcribers for the Visually Impaired, P.O. Box 20151, Lansing, MI 48901. Mrs. Doris Flanagan, President of the Connecticut Council of the Blind, has recently been appointed to the State Board of Education and Services for the Blind, which serves approximately 6,000 blind persons in the "Nutmeg State." The Board meets quarterly and sets policy for the agency. Before her retirement, Mrs. Flanagan worked as a rehabilitation teacher. The 9th Annual Delegate Assembly of the Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America will be held June 12-14 at the Quality Inn, just two blocks from the Capitol, in Washington, D.C. This year's program will feature a Gala Ceremony honoring Senator Jennings Randolph, who has announced he will retire from the U.S. Senate upon the expiration of his term in January 1985. From Talking Book Topics: The National Spa and Pool Institute sells a cassette version of "Aqua Dynamics," a water exercise program published by the Institute and the President's Committee on Physical Fitness and Sports. The program features many standing and bobbing exercises requiring little space and suitable for public and private pools. For a copy, send a check for $7.95 to National Spa and Pool Institute, 2000 K Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20006. Ronnie Milsap, well-known country and popular music artist, was the subject of a profile article in a recent issue of "Inside Country Music." Born with congenital glaucoma, he was educated at the North Carolina School for the Blind. During almost forty years in working as director of Arkansas Enterprises for the Blind, Roy Kumpe has had many funny, bizarre, sad, and heartwarming experiences. These he has now chronicled in a recently released book, The Lion's Share; A History of Arkansas Enterprises for the Blind. Along with a history of AEB, Kumpe and his collaborator, Jim Lester, have written an autobiographical story together with a history of work for the blind in Arkansas. The book is available for $9.95 plus $1.50 for shipping and handling from Jim Davis, Arkansas Enterprises for the Blind, 2811 Fair Park Boulevard, Little Rock, AR 72204. From Disabled USA: Minnesota's new Human Rights Act has a number of protections for disabled persons in the areas of fair employment practices, reasonable accommodation on the job, fair practice in housing, public services, public accommodation, and education. A brochure on how the law applies to disabled persons is available from Minnesota Department of Human Rights, Bremer Tower, Room 500, 7th Place and Minnesota Street, St. Paul, MN 55101. The Beamscope II is a relatively simple product that can enlarge images on 12-inch to 25-inch television screens by as much as two to four times, according to the manufacturer. The unit comes in three sizes, starting at $59.95. For further information, write International Marketing Services, Inc., 220 Commerce Avenue, Port Richey, FL 33568. ***** ** Notice to Subscribers The Braille Forum is available in braille, large-type, flexible disc (rpm 8 1/3), and cassette (ips 15/16). As a bimonthly supplement, the recorded and braille editions also include ALL-O-GRAMS, newsletter of the Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America. Please send subscription requests, address changes, and items intended for publication (which may be submitted in print, braille, or tape) to: The Braille Forum, 190 Lattimore Road, Rochester, NY 14620. Those much needed and appreciated cash contributions may be sent to James R. Olsen, Treasurer, ACB National Office, 1211 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 506, Washington, DC 20036. You may wish to remember a relative or friend by sharing in the continuing work of the American Council of the Blind. The National Office has available special printed cards to acknowledge to loved ones contributions made in memory of deceased persons. Anyone wishing to remember the American Council of the Blind in his/her Last Will and Testament may do so by including a special paragraph for that purpose. If your wishes are complex, you or your attorney may wish to contact the ACB National Office. ###